I think I just write music that resembles the one I listen to, no big deal. It is all a matter of perspective I guess. I never had the intention to blend genres for the sake of being original. That being said, it is always a challenge to find the right sound, melody, lyrics to depict something as abstract as an emotions. Therefore it is necessary to remain open-minded in terms of music "styles" if you want to achieve this goal.

I do listen to a lot of jazz indeed. I have a few classic albums that I cherish particularly, such as Charles Mingus' "The black saint and the sinner lady" or Archie Shepp's "Blasé". But I am also fond of more modern stuff like The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble or Bohren und der Club of Gore, their music surely is something incredible.

I played indeed in several bands in the past, when I was not yet too "mobile". There are so many memories associated with these years as one can imagine, I cannot think of any that should be mentioned here. For sure, I learnt a lot from playing with different people. I learnt about how difficult it is to actually play together, to be on the same wavelength. You see, I always thought that a band cannot be good unless it has a leader. One guy must stand out, have a vision and bring it to life with the help of others. There are of course examples proving me wrong, yet I think this theory is sound in most cases, and, most importantly, it also supports my choice to work alone in netra!

Now that's a very relevant question! The most obvious reason is, to some extent, fame. Although this is quite embarrassing to admit. Everybody seeks some kind of recognition in life, hoping to, one day, achieve something good, that will raise the interest of the masses. I would be dishonest if I told you that there is not a part of this in my motivation. But sharing my art is more importantly a way of strengthening my ideas, my visions, based on the feedback, like in a large-scale psychoanalisis.

When it comes to city life, many feelings come to my mind. First, there is a lack, an absence. You see, I grew up in a small town, not far from the sea, not far from beautiful forests. This feeling of being surrounded with places where nature still reigns is somehow anchored in me, and when you take it away from me, I tend to become scared, almost claustrophobic. Then, and most importantly, city life calls to my mind the notion of fear. The fear of social interaction, of other people's thoughts and judgement. The fear of being different, just as much as the fear of being like everybody else. The fear of embarrassment, boredom and loneliness. The fear of violence and all the horrors we see on the news.

Not really. I wrote netra's first album in France, and only the second one was written in Norway.

Sørbyen is, in my opinion, less claustrophobic, more open-minded than its predecessor.

To make an album that holds so much! It's a real slice of life, put into a bit more than an hour of music.

Not sure if my favorites but Rob Dougan and Manes for instance are some artists that I have listened to a lot, and for a long time.

Not at all.

For this video, Nick Skog of Hypnotic Dirge Records did the filming and I edited it. It was a first try, and although I would certainly not do it again in the same way, I look back at it without shame.

Yes, as long as it makes it somehow easier to share music, get feedback, get in touch with new people, I have no problem with these kind of change. I mean without this kind of means, I would maybe never have even thought of making videos at the first place

Thank you! Not sure how to answer this, but for sure I do spend all the time I can on my music.

Hard to say, Netra is somehow more naive, like a contemplating child in me, whereas Stangala pertains more to a "hard truth" picture of my life.

I am definitely proud of my music. I believe that it is a real achievement to go beyond the traditional communication channels and express things that my social awkwardness would not allow me to express otherwise. As for my contribution to the french scene, I have absolutely no idea! That is a really good question though, but I do not think it is mine to answer.

My plans are a bit fuzzy at the moment, but I will definitely be working on a new album and hopefully more video material next year. Meanwhile, I thank you very much for your interest and wish you all the best!